Think of a scientist at work, and you might picture someone at a lab bench, doing a physical experiment involving beakers or petri dishes and recording his or her findings, which will eventually form the basis for a scientific paper.

The dance piece choreographed by Kemal Nance, a lecturer in the University of Illinois Department of Dance, imagines a mythical scenario in which trees are dancing from communal joy. The work – “SHADE! (The Secret Dance of Trees)” – also serves as a metaphor of African-American culture.

Mention traditional marriage and family and it’s easy to think you’re talking about age-old customs. Those “traditional” ideals and practices, however, are more likely a product of the last two centuries, says a University of Illinois history professor.

Japan entered a period of colonial expansion in the late 19th century, starting with its annexation of Taiwan in 1895. Within just a few years of this colonial conquest, an anti-imperialism movement began in Japan. One of the key figures in the movement was Kōtoku Shūsui, a journalist and anarchist who wrote a book opposing imperialism and who was executed by the Japanese government in 1911.

Krannert Art Museum and the School of Art and Design will display the work of graduating seniors in art and design. The School of Art and Design Bachelor of Fine Arts Exhibition opens May 9, with a public reception from 5 to 7 p.m. The exhibition will be on display in the East and Gelvin Noel galleries through May 17.